@MoR: Molto grazie per complimento. the "Parrochia" in many Québec villages and towns, because of too few worshippers, has been transformed in a multifunctional building dubbed a community hall where several activities take place. In some where the town hall is too small to house public meetings those are held in the community hall and services are held there as well. Usually the altar is behind a movable wall."Le doyen" over here is not the parrish priest it is the oldest citizen of the village; I would have written "le curé" had the parrish priest been involved.As for moderation it was the only way I found to eliminate the conversation you had asked me to eradicate about the bears. One advantage of it is that I am immediately warned when a comment is posted so I can react faster...considering time zones...of course. And yes "à moqueur, moquer est de mise".Ciao

Mairesse as the wife of the mayor, I had understood, and it as a poor joke. That the doyen is the oldest citizen, this how could I know. So on the whole I gave too importance to the eglise factor. You certainly are a different people from us. Your churches are deserted and yet ... but I can be wrong again, while here, les eglises, il y a de gens mais religion is not taken that seriously.

Overwhelmingly Quebecers still define themselves as Roman Catholics but insist on separation of Church and State and do not worship in churches. many churches Catholic and Protestant buildings have been closed and sold or converted into community centers. Most priests, the few left, cover several parrishes and services are held on a rotating basis or the priest travels from one congregation to another for one mass on Sundays or Saturdays. One priest may cover as many as 8 congregations outside large towns.The Italian community has remained closer to their churches but, while they worship, it seems to have little impact in their day to day lives, it is a Sunday thing period. probably as in the old country.

It is Rob, it is. Hence the satire aspect of it. But, in real life I had some opportunities to find out that a secret ballot will, at times, break a logjam when special interest groups are involved. Secrecy brings confidence and people will vote differently if shielded from possible reprisals or consequences. Sad but true.In the case above, who can tell who voted how?